Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 4069: A ’Nice’ Invitation

Several Wild Peak disciples immediately turned. "Interim Peak Head Zhenyu!"

"Interim Peak Head!" The cultivators cupped their fists in greeting.

Zhenyu gave them a casual wave. "Good, good. Looks like you youngsters managed to get here without causing trouble."

High Elder Shatter Peak approached with a grin. "Senior! You’re back already?"

"Of course." Zhenyu stroked his beard. "Did you think I’d take all day?"

High Elder Shatter Peak laughed. "Certainly not, Senior!"

High Elder Palm Saber also approached. "We’re still waiting for the final batch of disciples. They should arrive shortly."

Zhenyu nodded. "Good. Then we’re right on time."

The Grand Elder and the Clarity Peak Head were standing nearby, accompanied by Daoist Bone Ruler and the Sword Peak Head.

The Grand Elder stepped forward. "Senior."

Zhenyu looked at him. "Oh? You’re still here?"

The Grand Elder blinked. "Naturally."

Zhenyu raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to watch the investigation as well?"

The Clarity Peak Head answered. "We intend to observe from a distance. Once we confirm the relevant circumstances, we shall begin the next stage of the investigation."

Zhenyu stroked his beard. "So you’ll be keeping an eye on things while we make a scene."

The woman nodded. "That would be one way to describe it."

The Grand Elder continued, "I have also sent word ahead to the Main Hall."

Zhenyu’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Already?"

"Yes. I have instructed several trusted subordinates to begin examining certain records and preparing the necessary arrangements." He paused before adding, "They have been ordered to act covertly. The matter should remain concealed for the time being, and everyone involved is someone I trust personally."

Lin Mu considered that. ’Good. He’s already moving.’

The Grand Elder had wasted little time after their agreement and that was encouraging.

If the old man could begin examining the Vault Division’s records while Zhenyu occupied its personnel, they might uncover something before the conspirators realized how serious the investigation had become.

"Good," Zhenyu replied.

The Grand Elder nodded. "Once we have confirmed the situation, I shall coordinate with the Clarity Peak Head to examine any suspicious activities involving the restricted repositories."

"Excellent." Zhenyu turned toward the Wild Peak cultivators. "Then let’s get moving!"

The final batch of disciples had just arrived through the teleportation array. High Elder Palm Saber quickly confirmed that everyone was present.

High Elder Shatter Peak stepped forward. "Wild Peak disciples! Prepare to move!"

The response was immediate. "YES!"

Hundreds of cultivators rose into the air, their auras gathering around them as they prepared to fly. The High Elders took the lead, while the remaining disciples arranged themselves into groups according to their cultivation and responsibilities.

Zhenyu flew at the front, his enormous figure surrounded by a powerful aura. Daoist Bone Ruler accompanied him, though his expression suggested that he was already anticipating trouble.

The Grand Elder, Clarity Peak Head, and Sword Peak Head remained slightly behind the main formation. They intended to observe the initial confrontation before taking further action. The group moved swiftly through the wilderness.

The distance of approximately a hundred and fifty kilometers was insignificant for cultivators of their strength. Even the weaker disciples could maintain a considerable flying speed, especially with the High Elders ensuring that the formation remained organized.

Before long, the terrain began to change.

The dense forests gradually gave way to a region filled with low hills, scattered rocky outcrops, and several stretches of open ground. Immortal Qi flowed steadily through the area, though Lin Mu could sense that much of it was being guided by formations hidden beneath the earth.

’We’re getting close.’ He examined the map within his mind.

The current main branch of the Vault Division was situated just ahead. A few minutes later, the group finally caught sight of it. And the sight was rather underwhelming.

The facility consisted of a large courtyard surrounded by a modest wall, with several buildings arranged around its interior. There were administrative halls, storage rooms, and what appeared to be ordinary offices.

A few smaller structures stood near the outer edges, while a broad stone path connected the main entrance to the central building. At first glance, the place resembled the headquarters of a prosperous merchant organization.

There were no towering palaces, magnificent pagodas, or enormous statues proclaiming the authority of the Vault Division. Even the defensive formations were difficult to detect without careful examination.

Several Wild Peak disciples looked surprised. "That’s the main Vault Division?"

"It looks rather ordinary."

"I expected something bigger."

High Elder Shatter Peak snorted. "Don’t let appearances fool you."

Lin Mu silently agreed. ’Most of their facilities are underground.’

He had already learned that the Vault Division maintained extensive subterranean structures beneath its seemingly modest compounds. Those underground facilities contained storage chambers, restricted repositories, formation control rooms, and various administrative areas.

Some extended deep into the earth, protected by multiple layers of formations and concealed passages. The ordinary buildings on the surface served primarily as entrances and administrative offices.

Their simplicity was intentional.

An extravagant complex would attract unnecessary attention, while a modest compound could conceal far more than outsiders might expect. Lin Mu also noticed several powerful formations surrounding the area.

They were well hidden, but his understanding of formations and his spatial perception allowed him to detect their presence.

’The security is quite extensive.’

That was only natural as the Vault Division was responsible for safeguarding many of the Heavenly Stream Guardian Sect’s treasures and sensitive records. Even a branch facility would possess considerable defenses.

However, Lin Mu had no intention of attacking the place directly. At least, there was no reason to do so yet.

He had already arranged for his beasts to investigate the other branches, while the Grand Elder and Clarity Peak Head would conduct their own covert inquiries. For now, he needed to draw the attention of the Vault Division’s personnel.

And there was a particularly effective way to accomplish that.

Zhenyu slowed down as the group approached the outer perimeter. The Wild Peak cultivators followed his lead, forming an imposing gathering in the sky above the compound while their aura continued to flare.

The sudden arrival of so many powerful cultivators immediately attracted attention as several guards stationed near the entrance looked up. Their expressions changed when they recognized the Wild Peak’s insignia.

"What are they doing here?"

"Why are there so many of them?"

"Is that High Elder Shatter Peak?"

One of the guards hurried toward the main building, apparently intending to report the situation, while another began activating a communication talisman.

Lin Mu observed their movements calmly. ’Good. Let them know we’re here.’

He wanted the entire facility to become aware of their arrival. If Taegong was hiding somewhere inside, he would soon learn that the Wild Peak had come looking for him. And if someone was protecting Taegong, their reaction might reveal valuable information.

Zhenyu turned toward High Elder Shatter Peak and the muscular High Elder was already grinning. He seemed to understand what was expected of him. Zhenyu gave a small nod and High Elder Shatter Peak’s grin widened.

He stepped forward, drawing a deep breath.

His powerful Immortal essence surged through his body, while the immense vitality of a seasoned body cultivator gathered within his chest. The surrounding air trembled while several Wild Peak disciples instinctively covered their ears.

Daoist Bone Ruler’s expression changed and he had a terrible feeling about what was coming.

High Elder Shatter Peak opened his mouth.

"TAEGONG!" His voice erupted like a thunderclap.

BOOOOOOM!

The sound rolled across the wilderness, shaking the trees and sending ripples through the nearby formations. The guards below staggered and several birds resting in the surrounding forest took flight in panic.

Even the buildings within the courtyard seemed to tremble beneath the force of the shout.

High Elder Shatter Peak drew another breath. "GET OUT!"

The second roar was even louder. The words echoed across the hills and forests, carrying far beyond the boundaries of the Vault Division’s compound. Several defensive formations flickered as they reacted to the sudden disturbance.

Within the courtyard, cultivators rushed out of the buildings, their expressions filled with alarm.

"What happened!?"

"Are we under attack?"

"Who dares shout outside the Vault Division!?"

High Elder Shatter Peak stood proudly in the sky, his enormous aura radiating outward. Behind him, the Wild Peak cultivators watched the compound with fierce expressions.

Zhenyu stroked his beard and smiled. "Good lungs, youngster."

High Elder Shatter Peak laughed. "Thank you, Senior!"

Daoist Bone Ruler closed his eyes for a moment. ’And so it begins.’

Lin Mu, meanwhile, quietly examined the reactions of the cultivators below. The first move had been made. Now he wanted to see who would respond.

And more importantly, whether the name Taegong would cause anyone within the Vault Division to reveal something they would rather keep hidden.